Snow expected on mountain passes, valley freeze expected this week

KELOWNA – Okanagan residents can expect some cooler weather this week and along with it some freezing overnight temperatures.

That cold front has prompted a weather alert from Environment Canada as periods of snow developing over local mountain passes cold bring upwards of 5 to 10 cm to Rogers Pass, Coquihalla and Allison passes, and the Okanagan connector through tonight and Tuesday.

Environment Canada says to expect cloudy periods today with a 60 per cent chance of rain.

Winds will become southwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, with a high of 14 Celsius in Kelowna and Vernon and a low of 6 C.

It should reach a high of 15 C with an overnight low of 8 C in Penticton.

Tonight should see periods of rain, with the snow level dropping to 900 metres before morning. Winds are expected to be southwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 before becoming northwest at 20 near midnight.

Tuesday should see mainly cloudy skies and a 60 per cent chance of showers, with the snow level at 900 metres.

Winds are expected to become north at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 in the morning, with a high of 9 C in Kelowna, 8 C in Vernon and 10 C in Penticton, with a low of 3 C in all three cities.

The sun returns under cool conditions Wednesday, with a high of 6 C and an overnight low of – 2 C expected.

Thursday and Friday, expect more sun and warming temperatures, with a high of 10 C and a low of -1 C Thursday, and a high of 12 C along with an overnight low of 2 C on Friday.

The start of the long weekend looks seasonal, with a mix of sun and clouds and highs of 13 C and 14 C on Saturday and Sunday.

The Okanagan’s normal high and low for this time of year is 14 C and 4 C.

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